Jeter Back, Yanks Win

New York Yankees' Derek Jeter returns to the dugout during the fifth inning of the baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium Thursday, July 11, 2013 in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

New York — Derek Jeter was back, and the New York Yankees felt a whole lot better.

At least until he needed to make an early exit.

The Yankees captain singled on his first pitch of the season, then was pulled for a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning with a tight right quadriceps in an 8-4 victory Thursday over the Kansas City Royals.

“I hope it’s not a big deal,” Jeter said.

Jeter scored a run and went 1 for 4 with an RBI groundout as the designated hitter in his return from a nine-month layoff from a broken ankle. He said his quad tightened up during his third at-bat, and added he didn’t think this injury came from pushing too hard in his debut

“It’s just stiff,” he said. “We’ll find out tomorrow.”

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said the 39-year-old Jeter will be sent for a scan. “Jete thinks he’ll be ready to play” tonight at home against Minnesota, Girardi said.

Andy Pettitte (7-6) settled down after another shaky first inning to win consecutive starts for the first time since April. Lyle Overbay hit a go-ahead, two-run single in a four-run fifth against Ervin Santana (5-6) as New York overcame a 3-0 deficit and split the four-game series.

Jeter batted second in his first big league game since he broke his left ankle during the AL championship series opener Oct. 13. He said after the initial injury he would return by opening day, then fractured the ankle again in April during his rehabilitation and missed the first 91 games of the season.

Moore (13-3), left off the AL All-Star team announced last weekend, gave up three runs, three hits, two walks and had 10 strikeouts over 71∕3 innings.

White Sox 6, Tigers 3

Detroit — Joshua Phegley’s sixth-inning grand slam gave Chris Sale some long-awaited run support, and Chicago went on to beat Detroit in a game that included a bench-clearing altercation shortly after the White Sox took the lead.

Chicago trailed 3-1 when Phegley cleared the bases with a homer off Detroit starter Anibal Sanchez (7-6). Luke Putkonen came on and got one out before throwing a pitch behind Alexei Ramirez, who started toward the mound before being restrained.

Indians 4, Blue Jays 2

Cleveland — Rookie Danny Salazar pitched six superb innings to win his major league debut, leading Cleveland over Toronto.

Salazar, who began the season in Double-A ball, allowed just one run and two hits. The right-hander didn’t give up a hit until the sixth and struck out seven.

Orioles 3, Rangers 1

Baltimore — Chris Davis hit his major league-leading 34th homer to back Miguel Gonzalez, and Baltimore beat Texas to earn a split of the four-game series.

Davis snapped an 0-for-17 skid and reached career highs in homers and RBIs (86) with a second-inning solo shot off Ross Wolf (1-2).